RIU Resorts Complete Guide: July 19-26, 2025
Special Promotion: Check packages.riu.com for free flight deals!
Your Group: 9 people, 4 rooms | Departing: St. Louis (STL) Budget Target: ~$2,000/person
Quick Reference: Family-Friendly RIU Resorts
Ratings: TripAdvisor (out of 5) | Booking.com (out of 10)
| Location | Resort | TripAdvisor | Booking | Rooms | Restaurants | Water Park | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | Riu Guanacaste | 3.5/5 | 7.7 | 1,041 | 7 | ✅ Splash Water World | Best Value |
| Costa Rica | Riu Palace Costa Rica | 4.0/5 | 7.4 | 538 | 5 | ✅ Splash Water World | Premium CR |
| Mexico - Cancun | Riu Caribe | 4.0/5 | 8.7 | 506 | 5 | ❌ | Beach Location |
| Mexico - Cancun | Riu Ventura (NEW Dec 2025) | New | New | 700 | 6 | ✅ | Newest Property |
| Mexico - Riviera Maya | Riu Yucatan | 4.0/5 | 8.1 | 507 | 5 | ✅ Kids slides | Great Value |
| Mexico - Riviera Maya | Riu Playacar | 4.0/5 | 8.6 | 404 | 5 | ✅ Kids slides | Playacar Complex |
| Mexico - Riviera Maya | Riu Tequila | 4.0/5 ⭐ | 9.0 | 664 | 4 | ✅ | Budget Option |
| Mexico - Cabo | Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas | 4.0/5 | 8.4 | 642 | 5 | ✅ (at Santa Fe) | Family Premium |
| Mexico - Cabo | Riu Santa Fe | 3.0/5 | 8.1 | 1,200+ | 5 | ✅ 10 slides! | Water Park Focus |
| Mexico - Jalisco | Riu Jalisco | 3.5/5 | 7.8 | 820 | 5 | ✅ Splash pad | Newly Renovated |
| Jamaica | Riu Ocho Rios | 3.0/5 | 7.9 | 856 | 5 | ✅ | Family Friendly |
| Jamaica | Riu Negril | 3.0/5 | 7.7 | 420 | 4 | ❌ Kids pool | Better Beach |
| Jamaica | Riu Palace Aquarelle | New | New | 700 | 5 | ✅ Splash Water World | Newest Jamaica |
| Dominican Republic | Riu Bambu | 3.0/5 | 7.7 | 622 | 5 | ✅ Splash Water World | Budget DR |
| Dominican Republic | Riu Palace Punta Cana | 3.5/5 | 8.5 | 612 | 5 | ✅ Splash Water World | DR Complex |
| Dominican Republic | Riu Palace Bavaro | 3.0/5 | 8.6 | 670 | 5 | ✅ Splash Water World | DR Complex |
| Aruba | Riu Palace Aruba | 4.0/5 | 7.5 | 450 | 5 | ❌ Kids pool | Palm Beach |
| Panama | Riu Playa Blanca | 3.0/5 | 8.4 | 573 | 4 | ✅ Kids slides | Off-Beat |
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Riu Guanacaste
Best Value Option | ⭐ 3.5/5 TripAdvisor | 7.7/10 Booking.com
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 1,041 (renovated 2025) |
| Restaurants | 7 (Asian, Mexican, Italian, Steakhouse, 2 buffets, snack stations) |
| Bars | 8 |
| Pools | 4 outdoor + 1 children's pool |
| Kid Features | Splash Water World water park, RIULand kids club (4-12), children's pool with slides |
| Beach | Rocky (visit nearby beaches) |
| Airport | 25 min from Liberia (LIR) |
| Cost Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$10,600 |
| Flights from STL (with promo) | FREE or ~$3,600 |
| TOTAL (with free flights) | ~$10,600 |
| Per Person | ~$1,180 |
Pros: Cheapest option, major 2025 renovation, water park, great excursions nearby (volcanoes, zip lines) Cons: Lower rating (but improving post-renovation), rocky beach, July = rainy season afternoons
Riu Palace Costa Rica
Premium Costa Rica Option | ⭐ 4.0/5 TripAdvisor | 7.4/10 Booking.com
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 538 |
| Restaurants | 5 (Krystal buffet, Japanese, Italian, Steakhouse, Fusion) |
| Bars | 6 |
| Pools | 4 outdoor (1 swim-up bar) + jacuzzi |
| Kid Features | Access to Splash Water World, RIULand kids club, Renova Spa |
| Beach | Matapalo Beach |
| Airport | 30 min from Liberia (LIR) |
| Cost Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$14,400 |
| Flights from STL (with promo) | FREE or ~$3,600 |
| TOTAL (with free flights) | ~$14,400 |
| Per Person | ~$1,600 |
Pros: Higher rating, better rooms/service, access to Guanacaste water park, Renova Spa Cons: More expensive, still has rocky beach areas
🇲🇽 Mexico - Cancun Area
Riu Ventura (NEW December 2025) — No ratings yet
Newest RIU Property | Website coming soon
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 700 (including swim-up rooms) |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Pools | 6 (including raised 6th floor pool with views) |
| Kid Features | RIULand kids club, pool slides, Splash zones |
| Beach | Delphines Beach |
| Airport | 20 min from Cancun (CUN) |
| Cost Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$12,600 |
| Flights from STL (with promo) | FREE or ~$3,150 |
| TOTAL (with free flights) | ~$12,600 |
| Per Person | ~$1,400 |
Pros: Brand new property, swim-up rooms, modern amenities, excellent beach Cons: No reviews yet (opens Dec 2025), may have new-resort growing pains
Riu Caribe
Cancun Hotel Zone | ⭐ 4.0/5 TripAdvisor 🏆 | 8.7/10 Booking.com
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 506 |
| Restaurants | 5 (buffet + 4 specialty: Asian, Italian, Mexican, Steakhouse) |
| Bars | 6 |
| Pools | 3 outdoor + children's pool |
| Kid Features | RIULand kids club, children's pool, daily activities |
| Beach | Hotel Zone beachfront |
| Airport | 20 km from Cancun (CUN) |
| Cost Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$11,700 |
| Flights from STL (with promo) | FREE or ~$3,150 |
| TOTAL (with free flights) | ~$11,700 |
| Per Person | ~$1,300 |
Pros: Great location, good beach, close to nightlife/shopping Cons: No water park, older property
🇲🇽 Mexico - Riviera Maya
Riu Tequila ⭐ Top Rated
Budget Riviera Maya | ⭐ 4.0/5 TripAdvisor | 9.0/10 Booking.com
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 664 |
| Restaurants | 4 (buffet + specialty restaurants) |
| Bars | 5 |
| Pools | 3 outdoor + children's pool |
| Kid Features | RIULand kids club, children's pool, Playacar complex access |
| Beach | Playacar beach |
| Airport | 55 km from Cancun (CUN) |
| Cost Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$10,350 |
| Flights from STL (with promo) | FREE or ~$3,150 |
| TOTAL (with free flights) | ~$10,350 |
| Per Person | ~$1,150 |
Pros: Cheapest Mexico option, access to Playacar complex Cons: Fewer amenities, seaweed concerns
🇲🇽 Mexico - Los Cabos
Riu Santa Fe
Water Park Paradise | ⭐ 3.0/5 TripAdvisor | 8.1/10 Booking.com
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 1,200+ |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Bars | 7 |
| Pools | Multiple + 10-slide water park! |
| Kid Features | Best water park - 10 kid-friendly slides, RIULand, pool parties (adults) |
| Beach | El Medano Beach |
| Airport | 45 min from San Jose del Cabo (SJD) |
| Cost Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$12,600 |
| Flights from STL (with promo) | FREE or ~$4,050 |
| TOTAL (with free flights) | ~$12,600 |
| Per Person | ~$1,400 |
Pros: BEST water park in RIU system (10 slides!), great for active families Cons: Lower rating, party atmosphere (pool parties until 2am 4 nights/week), mixed reviews on quality
🇯🇲 Jamaica
Riu Palace Aquarelle (NEW 2024)
Newest Jamaica RIU | TripAdvisor (New - limited reviews)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 700 |
| Restaurants | 5+ |
| Bars | 6 |
| Pools | 4 + children's pool with slides |
| Kid Features | Splash Water World water park, RIULand kids club, children's pool |
| Beach | White Bay Beach (Falmouth) |
| Airport | Near Falmouth, ~30 min from Montego Bay (MBJ) |
| Cost Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$14,400 |
| Flights from STL (with promo) | FREE or ~$4,050 |
| TOTAL (with free flights) | ~$14,400 |
| Per Person | ~$1,600 |
Pros: Newest RIU in Jamaica, Splash Water World, modern amenities Cons: Limited reviews (new property), Falmouth location
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic - Punta Cana
Note: RIU has 5 resorts sharing Arena Gorda Beach with shared Splash Water World access
Riu Bambu
Budget DR Option | ⭐ 3.0/5 TripAdvisor | 7.7/10 Booking.com
| Cost Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$10,800 |
| Flights from STL (with promo) | FREE or ~$3,600 |
| TOTAL (with free flights) | ~$10,800 |
| Per Person | ~$1,200 |
Pros: Cheapest DR option, Splash Water World access, close to airport, nonstop flights available Cons: Lower rating, basic rooms, seaweed season May-Oct
🇦🇼 Aruba
Riu Palace Aruba
Only Family RIU in Aruba | ⭐ 4.0/5 TripAdvisor | 7.5/10 Booking.com
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 450 |
| Restaurants | 5 (buffet + Japanese, Italian, Steakhouse, Fusion) |
| Kid Features | RIULand kids club, children's pool, beach activities |
| Beach | Famous Palm Beach |
| Airport | 15 min from Aruba (AUA) |
| Cost Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$14,850 |
| Flights from STL (with promo) | FREE or ~$4,500 |
| TOTAL (with free flights) | ~$14,850 |
| Per Person | ~$1,650 |
Pros: Best beach location (Palm Beach), guaranteed sun, outside hurricane belt Cons: No water park, higher price, some rooms dated
Note: Riu Palace Antillas next door is ADULTS ONLY
Summary: Best RIU Options for Your Group
Booking.com Rating Scale: 9+ Superb | 8-9 Very Good | 7-8 Good | 6-7 Pleasant
Best Value (With Free Flights Promo)
| Resort | Location | Booking.com | Per Person | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riu Tequila | Riviera Maya | 9.0/10 ⭐ | ~$1,150 | Highest rated + cheapest! |
| Riu Guanacaste | Costa Rica | 7.7/10 | ~$1,180 | Water park, 2025 renovation |
| Riu Bambu | Punta Cana | 7.7/10 | ~$1,200 | Water park, close to airport |
Best Rated (Booking.com 8.5+)
| Resort | Location | Booking.com | Per Person | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riu Tequila | Riviera Maya | 9.0/10 ⭐ | ~$1,150 | Top rated overall |
| Riu Caribe | Cancun | 8.7/10 | ~$1,300 | Best in Cancun zone |
| Riu Playacar | Riviera Maya | 8.6/10 | ~$1,350 | Great beach, complex access |
| Riu Palace Bavaro | Punta Cana | 8.6/10 | ~$1,450 | Best in DR |
| Riu Palace Punta Cana | Punta Cana | 8.5/10 | ~$1,400 | 11 pools! |
Best Water Park
| Resort | Location | Booking.com | Per Person | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riu Santa Fe | Cabo | 8.1/10 | ~$1,400 | 10 slides! Best water park |
| Riu Palace Aquarelle | Jamaica | New | ~$1,600 | Splash Water World, newest |
| Punta Cana Complex | DR | 7.7-8.6/10 | ~$1,200-1,450 | Shared Splash Water World |
How to Book the Free Flights Promo
- Go to packages.riu.com
- Enter your dates: July 19-26, 2025
- Enter departure city: St. Louis (STL)
- Select your resort
- Look for "Free Flights" or package deals
- Compare total package price vs. booking separately
Tips:
- Book early - promo availability is limited
- Check if promo applies to all passengers or just some
- Compare with booking flights + resort separately
- Read the fine print on blackout dates
Flight Estimates from St. Louis (if not using promo)
| Destination | Airport | Est. Per Person | Est. 9 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancun/Riviera Maya | CUN | $300-400 | $2,700-3,600 |
| Punta Cana | PUJ | $350-450 | $3,150-4,050 |
| Costa Rica | LIR | $350-450 | $3,150-4,050 |
| Jamaica | MBJ | $400-500 | $3,600-4,500 |
| Cabo San Lucas | SJD | $400-500 | $3,600-4,500 |
| Aruba | AUA | $450-550 | $4,050-4,950 |
| Panama | PTY | $450-550 | $4,050-4,950 |
RIU Loyalty Program: Riu Class
Sign up for Riu Class for:
- 10% off bookings
- Free WiFi for extra device
- Free airport transportation (select destinations)
- Points accumulation
- Exclusive member offers
Adults-Only RIU Resorts (NOT for your group)
These RIU properties are adults-only and won't work for your family:
| Resort | Location |
|---|---|
| Riu Cancun | Cancun, Mexico |
| Riu Palace Las Americas | Cancun, Mexico |
| Riu Palace Kukulkan | Cancun, Mexico |
| Riu Palace Peninsula | Cancun, Mexico |
| Riu Reggae | Jamaica |
| Riu Palace Paradise Island | Bahamas |
| Riu Palace Antillas | Aruba |
| Riu Republica | Punta Cana, DR |
| Riu Palace Baja California | Cabo, Mexico |
Estimates based on January 2025 research. Check packages.riu.com for current free flight promotions and exact pricing.
Sources: